Random Fly Tying Tips 21May18

Still tying many missing flies from the spring campaigns - and my shitty casts into trees or drowned logs. As I tie I do some things naturally and some things need relearning each time I sit down - I thought passing some random nuggets along might aid someone.

Size & Proportions Count... Make sure to use the right beads and wire sizes together with whatever hook you've chosen. Things can be different of course but guidelines are below.

Hook Size	Bead Size	Wire Size	Lead Size
#14	2.3	BR	0.015
#16	2.3	BR	0.015
#18	2.0	S	0.010
#20	2.0	S
#22	1.5	S/XS
#24	1.5	XS

When sizing a thorax it will likely be about the size of the beadhead or a smidge larger. If there is no beadhead then make it that size anyway. Dubbing thoraxes are a must skill - sizing the noodle of dubbing is a learned skill but I like the noodle small and tight and I almost always just dub with spit rather than wax. When making mayfly tails, make them about the length of the hook shaft and have them start at the top of the bend or just after. When creating mayfly legs make them them as long as the hook gap. "Always" tie materials in the full length of a fly in order to have a consistent and smooth body. Nymphs are smooth on top so don't have wild shit pointing up from the hook - that's often why material mimicking a wing casing are useful to make a clean fly on top.

Techniques... Handling thread and its tension for different situations is a learned thing but critical to consistent results.

• You need only do 3-4 wraps on a whip finish but you can use a few more if you need buildup - watch to not block the eye of the hook (it's a pain in the field to not be able to thread the hook on easily).
• Do at least 6-7 wraps to bind thread onto the hook. I strongly prefer threads that "flatten out" and almost exclusively use UTC UltraThread in 70 or 140 (larger) denier.
• Tie down materials with 2 wraps and perhaps a locking wrap in front of material before cutting off excess. Remember to maintain tension on the bobbin thread so as to not let the material slip. Use thumb and index finger to hold thread into right spot if needed before synching down hard.
• Typically tie "all" materials on top of the hook; it's so much easier to manage that way. Use thumb and index finger to reposition to "on top" as needed. An exception is wire - tie that onto the side to give the body width rather than height.
• Learn to use a bobbin rest arm with your vice, there's no better way to get the thread out of the way for wrapping material and still maintaining thread tension.
• Have just the materials and tools you need to tie the target fly with out on the bench in reach - put other distracting stuff away - except the beer; have it within ready reach - do not exceed one sip per completed fly.